Conditioning a Softball Mitt

After buying an new softball mitt, one of the most important tasks is to condition the glove to make it easier to use. Right out of the store a glove is stiff and inflexible, and before using it to play it is important to loosen up the leather and make it more flexible for play.

There are many techniques to condition a glove and here is one method to do so.

Step 1: Supplies

Here is what is needed to condition a softball glove.

Softball Glove

Softball

Fabric

Step 2: Cut Out Strips of Fabric

Start by cutting out a couple strips of fabric that are long enough to easily wrap around the outside of the glove.

Step 3: Place Softball in Glove

Place the softball in the pocket of the glove. The softball should be placed in the area where the ball in normally caught in the glove. This will help the glove naturally cushion that area one it is conditioned, and a fly ball will be easier to catch.

Step 4: Tie Glove Closed

Use the scraps of fabric to tie the glove completely closed.

Leave the glove wrapped like this for at least 24 hours. The longer you leave it wrapped the longer the leather will be able to be conditioned to that shape.

You can also wrap it nightly and use it during the day.

Step 5: Repeat

Repeat the wrapping technique until you are comfortable with how the glove feels

The repetition of wrapping will help loosen and condition the leather.

You can also add some leather conditioning cream to the leather before you wrap it. This will also help loosen the leather.